Sunjoy Drink Recipe

For anyone who adores the dance of citrus and sweetness but finds themselves miles away from a Chick-fil-A or simply loves the craft of DIY drinks, making your own Sunjoy drink at home is a gratifying voyage into the heart of beverage bliss.

How to make Sunjoy Drink

Sunjoy is a refreshing beverage offered by Chick-fil-A that combines lemonade or diet lemonade with iced tea—essentially its take on the classic Arnold Palmer.

Ingredients:

Freshly Brewed Iced Tea:

• 4-6 tea bags (black or orange pekoe tea is ideal)
• 1 quart (32 ounces or about 950 milliliters) of water

Homemade Lemonade (or store-bought, if preferred):

• 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water (for the simple syrup)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 large lemons)
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) of cold water to dilute
• Ice Cubes
• Lemon Slices (for garnish)
• Mint Sprigs (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Iced Tea:

1. Brew the Tea: Heat 1 quart of water to just before boiling and pour over your tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Steep for about 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Remember, the tea will be diluted with ice and lemonade, so a slightly stronger brew is typically more flavorful.
2. Cool it Down: Once the tea has finished steeping to your desired strength, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate to chill unless serving immediately.

For the Lemonade:

1. Make Simple Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in 1 cup of water to create a simple syrup. Stir frequently to prevent burning until the sugar is fully dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
2. Juice the Lemons: While the syrup cools, squeeze the lemons until you have 1 cup of juice, straining out the seeds and pulp for smooth lemonade.
3. Mix and Dilute: Combine the lemon juice and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water and stir well. Adjust with more water or sugar to taste, if necessary.

Combining the Tea and Lemonade:

1. Create Sunjoy: In a large pitcher, mix equal parts of chilled iced tea with lemonade. A good starting ratio is 50/50, but you might like to adjust it according to your preference for sweetness or tartness.
2. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in your Sunjoy mixture, and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sunjoy Drink:

• Personalize Your Sweetness: Some like it sweet, some don’t. Adjust the amounts of simple syrup in your lemonade and the ratio of lemonade to tea in your Sunjoy to find your perfect balance.
• Chill Your Components: Ensure both your iced tea and lemonade are well-chilled before combining. This keeps the drink cool and prevents too much dilution from the ice.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and good quality tea will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your Sunjoy.
• Experiment With Flavors: Once you have the basic recipe down, why not get creative? Add in pureed peaches, raspberries, or a splash of mango nectar to put a twist on the original.
• Make It Ahead of Time: Sunjoy is perfect for entertaining since it can be made in advance. Keep it in the fridge and stir well before serving as the lemonade may settle at the bottom.
• Respect the Ratio: Starting with a 50/50 mix is great, but you can adjust the ratio of tea to lemonade until you find the perfect blend for your taste. Some prefer a stronger tea flavor with a hint of lemon, while others might want their drink more on the tangy side.

What to serve with

Serving the right accompaniments with a refreshing Sunjoy drink can elevate your dining experience, turning a simple meal into a memorable feast.

1. Grilled Foods

• Chicken: A grilled chicken breast or thigh seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme offers a savory counterpoint to the Sunjoy’s sweetness.
• Burgers: Whether it’s a classic beef burger, a succulent turkey burger, or a flavorful veggie burger, the smokiness from the grill pairs wonderfully with the refreshing qualities of the drink.
• Vegetable Skewers: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can enhance the drink’s citrus notes.

2. Seafood

• Shrimp Tacos: Light and zesty shrimp tacos with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a cilantro avocado sauce can complement the lemony flavor of the Sunjoy.
• Grilled Salmon: A piece of salmon, especially when seasoned with a honey glaze or a sprinkle of dill, harmonizes with the drink’s balance of sweetness and acidity.

3. Salads

• Summer Fruit Salad: A bowl filled with slices of watermelon, berries, peaches, and a hint of mint offers a refreshing contrast to the Sunjoy drink.
• Caprese Salad: The simplicity of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic reduction mirrors the simplicity and freshness of the Sunjoy.

4. Light Pasta Dishes

• Pasta Primavera: A pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon brings out the citrus notes in the Sunjoy.
• Cold Pasta Salad: Ideal for picnics, a cold pasta salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a great side dish that pairs well with the drink.

5. Snacks and Appetizers

• Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A selection of cheeses (like brie, cheddar, and gouda), meats, nuts, and fruits provides a range of flavors that the Sunjoy can cleanse the palate between.
• Hummus and Veggies: This light and healthy option combines the creaminess of hummus with the crunch of fresh vegetables, which is pleasantly refreshing with the Sunjoy.

6. Desserts

• Lemon Bars or Lemon Meringue Pie: Embrace the lemon theme with a dessert that echoes the drink’s tangy citrus flavor.
• Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of raspberry, lemon, or peach sorbet is light yet satisfyingly sweet, providing a delightful finish to a meal served with Sunjoy.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Sunjoy drink, a popular concoction known for its refreshing and tangy flavor usually involves a delightful blend of iced tea and lemonade. This combination, also famously known as an Arnold Palmer, can be customized in a myriad of ways to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

1. Tea Base Substitutes

• Black Tea: This is the classic choice. However, for a different flavor profile or caffeine level, consider these options:
• Green Tea: Lighter in flavor and with less caffeine, green tea offers a more subtle base.
• Herbal Tea: For a caffeine-free version, opt for herbal teas. Hibiscus or peach tea can add a unique and refreshing twist.
• White Tea: Offers a delicate flavor that can enhance the lemonade without overpowering it.

2. Lemonade Component Substitutes

• Traditional Lemonade: Usually made with lemon juice, water, and sugar. Consider these alternatives:
• Limeade: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a twist that’s equally refreshing.
• Sparkling Water with Citrus: For a fizzier drink, mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime juice and sweeten to taste.
• Bottled Lemonade: For convenience, use a high-quality, store-bought lemonade, but watch for added sugars.

3. Sweeteners

• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar can be replaced with various sweeteners:
• Honey: Offers a rich, distinct flavor and is sweeter than sugar, so you might use less.
• Agave Syrup: A great vegan option, agave syrup blends well in cold beverages.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a unique flavor complexity that pairs well with darker teas.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These sugar alternatives can sweeten a lower-calorie drink without adding calories. However, their sweetness is more potent, so adjust the amount carefully.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your homemade Sunjoy drink on a sunny day, as a companion to a delicious meal or simply when you need a moment of sweet refreshment. It’s your twist on the Chick-fil-A classic, served up in the comfort of your home.